Ian Milne and Jonathan Symonds ready to become the new public faces of Ipswich Town’s hierarchy

IAN Milne and Jonathan Symonds are relishing the challenge of playing leading roles in the future of Ipswich Town.

The duo, who have been board members of the club since Marcus Evans became owner five years ago, have been appointed joint managing-directors at Portman Road following Simon Clegg’s decision to leave his post as chief executive.

Previously based at Evans’ offices in Dublin, the pair have spent the last few days in their new position getting to know the staff at the club – both at Portman Road and at the training ground.

“Both Jonathan and myself are delighted to be at what is a fantastic football club and we really looking forward to getting to know the staff and the way the club operates,” Milne told the club’s website.

“We have been involved with Ipswich as board members for five years but now have the opportunity to work on the ‘inside’ on a daily basis and it’s a challenge we are really looking forward to.

“We will be speaking to the supporters in time and getting feedback from them, but our main objective initially is to speak to the staff here – both on the football side and the administration side – and learn from them as we look to take the club forward.”

With the club website revealing that both grew up as Chelsea fans, Symonds said: “We’re both big football fans and it’s a privilege to have this opportunity to work at such a well respected club as Ipswich.

“Obviously results on the pitch have been disappointing over recent years but there are a lot of reasons to be positive about the future of the club.

“There is a terrific fan base here for a start, as the manager has said, and it’s our job to look at anything and everything that can ultimately help bring success to Ipswich Town.”